Renata receives Highlanders call up

The Highlanders have drafted former Chiefs utility back Trent Renata into their squad as an injury replacement for Declan O'Donnell.

The Highlanders have drafted former Chiefs utility back Trent Renata into their squad as an injury replacement for Declan O'Donnell.

O'Donnell has undergone surgery on his shoulder and is out for the season, while All Black centre Tamati Ellison will miss most of the Super Rugby season as he recovers from his shoulder surgery.

Renata played two matches for the Chiefs and has scored 293 points in 54 games for Waikato since his debut in 2007. He also represented New Zealand at schools, Under-19 and Under-20 level.

The Dunedin franchise’s casualty list – which includes Colin Slade, John Hardie and Lima Sopoaga – continues to grow with Manawatu flank Doug Tietjens ruled out for the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon during a game of touch rugby at training.

Otago captain Paul Grant has been called into the squad as a temporary replacement, with a permanent replacement to be named at a later date.

New All Black signings Ma'a Nonu, Tony Woodcock and Brad Thorn will link up with the squad in Queenstown ahead of the pre-season camp in Greenstone Valley on Saturday.